Vehicle Transport in Bessemer AL

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Bessemer, we never charge hidden fees. Our pricing includes everything that you will need to transport your vehicle from point A to point B – all at extremely competitive rates.

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The auto transport industry provides a practical way to move your automobiles across long distances for a relatively low rate. Rather than trying to transfer numerous vehicles on your own, you can simply employ a company to handle the job quickly and safely. If you’re not familiar with the auto carriers in Bessemer, then the procedure might seem difficult at first. The good news is, in this guide we’ll help you understand how to pick a car hauler in Bessemer that will fit your needs and move your car safely. The vast majority of auto haulers will offer transportation services anywhere in the country from America, from Alaska to Hawaii and will provide you with several shipping options. In many cases you’ll have the option of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. But first, we’ll clarify the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

How to Tell the Difference Between Bessemer Auto Carriers and Brokers

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Bessemer you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. If you’ve never used an auto shipping service before, the process might seem complex, but in this article we’ll give you all the details you need to make an educated decision.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and generally are not the companies that will transport vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the type of service you require. The benefit of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not possess the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states needed to move your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of locating a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto transport carrier is the enterprise that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the labor of hauling a motor vehicle. Dealing directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be challenging to find the best carrier since many of them count on brokers to connect them with customers. A customer would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Bessemer auto transporter, or several of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be required in this case, but you may find your choices limited. Not every auto shipper will automatically be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination depending on the states they must go through. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Each and every Bessemer auto carrier is forbidden from transporting anything that would be regarded as a “household item” due to restrictions from the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be considered a “household good” from your car before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Only leave about a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

When utilizing a Bessemer auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s highly recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The car will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. Conversely, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A full tank will add considerable weight to your vehicle and could throw off the stability of the transport and result in complications.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

In order to better identify any scuff marks or dings on your vehicle it’s a good idea to clean it before inspecting the body. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t mistakenly believe the damage took place during shipping. It’s very easy to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your car in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

When the Bessemer auto transport arrives to start the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an inspection of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which generally includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. The document will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any current damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. So this process essentially safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that may occur in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Bessemer service should already have liability coverage currently built into their prices, which typically covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to shell out extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s fees. Typically, this is enough to cover any problems that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Bessemer for Your Needs

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Bessemer to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are expressing about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re getting and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Bessemer

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your car would be if you were driving it down the highway yourself. If you are opting for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be mindful that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the outside. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can generally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open alternative.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Bessemer

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much protection your car will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for standard driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an adequate rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the Bessemer auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the best service.